1 Kings 22:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:29 mean?

1 Kings 22:29 tells us that the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, both set out together to go up to Ramoth-gilead. The verse simply reports their joint military movement toward this city.

This verse is part of a larger story where Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, form an alliance to fight against Aram (Syria) for control of Ramoth-gilead. The verse marks the moment when both kings act on their decision and begin their campaign, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:29

• מֶלֶךְ (melek, "king"): This word is used for both Ahab (king of Israel) and Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), highlighting their equal status as rulers in this alliance.
• יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel") and יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, "Judah"): These names make clear that the two kingdoms, usually separate and sometimes rivals, are cooperating here.
• עָלָה (‘alah, "went up"): In Hebrew, "went up" often means traveling to a place of importance or higher elevation. Ramoth-gilead was both strategically important and located in the hill country.
• רָמֹת גִּלְעָד (Ramoth-gil‘ad, "Ramoth-gilead"): This city was a key location east of the Jordan River, frequently contested in Israel’s history.

Why 1 Kings 22:29 matters

• This verse shows a rare moment of unity between the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah), which were often at odds.
• The straightforward statement sets up the tension for the rest of the chapter, where the consequences of this alliance and the outcome of the battle will unfold.
• Noting the use of "went up" in Hebrew helps us see that this was not just a physical journey but also a significant political and military action.